Motorcycle riding can be thrilling, but it also comes with serious risks. In North Carolina, motorcycle crashes often result in devastating injuries and financial hardship for riders and their families. Understanding the causes of these accidents can make all the difference if you’ve been injured in one.
So, what are the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in North Carolina? Common causes include distraction, speeding, tailgating, and driving under the influence.
If you’ve been injured due to a driver’s negligence, you don’t have to pursue justice on your own. A North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file a claim and obtain compensation.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in North Carolina?
Motorcycle accidents have many causes, most of which involve negligence. The most common causes include:
- Driver inattention: Many crashes occur when drivers fail to notice motorcyclists while changing lanes, turning, or merging into traffic.
- Left–turn accidents: Collisions may happen when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming rider.
- Speeding: Excessive speed by either the motorcyclist or another driver reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
- Following too closely: Tailgating leaves little room for a motorcyclist to stop or avoid hazards.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment continues to be a leading cause of fatal motorcycle crashes across North Carolina.
- Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris that barely affect cars can be deadly for riders.
- Lane splitting: While lane-splitting is not legal in North Carolina, some riders attempt to ride between lanes of slow-moving traffic, which can lead to serious collisions.
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Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?
In most cases, the driver of the car or truck is at fault—not the motorcyclist. Many drivers simply fail to look for motorcycles, misjudge their speed, or violate their right of way.
However, liability in North Carolina can be complex. The state follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning if you’re found even 1% at fault, you could lose your right to compensation. That’s why it’s critical to hire an experienced lawyer who can investigate your accident, gather evidence, and protect your rights.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina?
Motorcycle crashes are an unfortunately common occurrence in North Carolina. According to state crash data, there are thousands of motorcycle wrecks every year, resulting in hundreds of serious injuries and dozens of fatalities.
The risk is especially high during warmer months when motorcycle traffic peaks. Urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro see the most crashes, but danger also exists on rural highways due to drivers’ higher speeds.
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Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes often result in serious, life-changing injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and severe skin abrasions
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Amputations and crush injuries
If you’ve sustained any of these injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
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Motorcycle Safety Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina enforces several laws meant to protect motorcyclists:
- Helmet requirement: All riders and passengers must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
- Motorcycle endorsement: Riders must have a motorcycle endorsement or learner’s permit on their driver’s license.
- Equipment standards: Motorcycles must have working headlights, brake lights, and mirrors.
- Passenger restrictions: Passengers are only allowed if the motorcycle is equipped with a permanent seat and footrests.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in NC?
Per N.C.G.S. § 1-52, you generally have three years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina. For wrongful death cases, the deadline is two years from the date of death.
If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to recover compensation entirely, which is why it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Specifically, they can:
- Investigate the crash: A lawyer can gather police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence to bolster your motorcycle accident case.
- Determine liability: An attorney can use evidence to identify who’s responsible for the accident.
- Handle insurance negotiations: A lawyer can negotiate with insurance adjusters and push back against lowball offers.
- Represent you in court: If the insurer won’t settle, your lawyer can take your case to trial and fight for you in court.
Our lawyer can ensure you don’t get taken advantage of by insurers or defense attorneys who want to minimize your claim.
Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Crashes
While you can’t control other drivers, you can reduce your risk of a crash by riding defensively and following these safety tips:
- Stay visible: Wear bright gear and use reflective tape or lights.
- Avoid blind spots: Never linger beside another vehicle for long.
- Use extra caution at intersections: Most serious crashes happen when drivers turn left in front of riders.
- Keep your speed in check: This gives you more time to react to hazards.
- Never ride under the influence: Alcohol or drugs significantly impair reaction time and balance.
Consult Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, it’s crucial to seek legal help. The motorcycle accident lawyers at DeMayo Law Offices can help prove that you were not at fault for the crash and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a free consultation to find out how we can help you turn the page on your motorcycle accident.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
